Police chief, still on leave, announces retirement

David Dore

Friday

Nov 13, 2015 at 12:01 AM

Leominster Police Chief Robert Healey, who has been on paid leave since mid-September for allegedly getting into an altercation with two subordinates, will retire Jan. 1, a press release from Mayor Dean Mazzarella announced last week.

"In the best interests of the City, Mayor Mazzarella and Chief Healey have agreed on a transition plan that will maintain order within the Department and ensure the continued safety of the citizens of Leominster," the Nov. 6 press release stated.

Asked in an email for information about the transition plan, Mazzarella responded the afternoon of Nov. 6 that he was "going to begin the process of hiring a new chief soon." No further details were provided.

Healey has worked for the Leominster Police Department since 1978. He was named acting chief in 2011 following the retirement of Chief Peter Roddy. Eighteen months later, he became the permanent chief following a unanimous vote of the City Council.

Mazzarella placed Healey on paid administrative leave Sept. 21 after Healey was accused of getting into what a press release from Leominster Patrolman’s Union President Elvin Vasquez stated was a "physical altercation with two subordinates" that afternoon at the police station. WFXT-TV in Boston reported at the time the fight involved Healey and two police officers.

Lt. Michael Goldman, a 27-year veteran of the department, was named acting chief.

Mazzarella told WFXT-TV in September that an outside investigator would be brought in, and an administrative hearing would usually be held to determine if Healey would face additional discipline. An update on the search for an investigator was not immediately available.

Last week’s press release listed some of the things Healey did as chief, such as reorganizing the department’s hierarchy to provide officers with more leadership positions, and starting the process of becoming accredited and updating department policies. It also mentioned his involvement with local organizations, such as the Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg and Leominster (as a board member) and the SHINE Initiative.

"Chief Healey looks forward to continuing his work to support the community in retirement," the press release stated. "He has enjoyed serving the City, and he wishes the City and the Police Department well.

"The City of Leominster owes Chief Healey a debt of gratitude for his many years of service and wishes him nothing but the best in his well-deserved retirement," it added.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.